Where Medicine and Dentistry Collaborate for Your Healthiest Sleep

Discover a dynamic conversation between Dr. Alison Kole, host of the Sleep Is My Waking Passion podcast, and renowned dental sleep expert Dr. Maria Sokolina, DDS. With over 15 years' experience, Dr. Sokolina is dedicated to bridging the gap between dental and medical sleep care, transforming how we diagnose and treat sleep disorders.

Why Tune In to This Episode?

Top Three Things You Will Learn

• How Dentists Recognize Hidden Signs of Sleep Apnea:
  Learn about the subtle and telling clues within your mouth—such as tooth wear, jaw tension, tongue impressions, and palate visibility—that could signal sleep apnea, even if you're not coming in for sleep complaints.
• Oral Appliance Therapy Demystified:
  Get expert insight on oral appliances as an alternative—or complement—to CPAP. Understand why appliance design, jaw positioning, and even nasal airflow are critical, and how combining treatments can optimize outcomes for patients who struggle with traditional therapies.
• The Importance of a Personalized and Collaborative Approach:
  Hear how individualized assessments, empathy, and multidisciplinary teamwork drive better results. From using technology and telemedicine to evaluating your fatigue levels and daily habits, Dr. Sokolina shares her methods for achieving real improvements in patients’ sleep and quality of life.

Highlights You Can't Miss

• The real-life role dentists play in early detection of sleep apnea symptoms.
• The science behind why people grind or clench their teeth, and how it ties to sleep-disordered breathing.
• Crucial tips on managing nasal obstruction for oral appliance success.
• A look “behind the scenes” at patient consultations, what to expect, and how long it typically takes to optimize therapy results.
• The empowering message: collaboration between dental and medical professionals creates new hope for tough-to-treat sleep conditions.

If you’re tired, frustrated, or just curious about improving your sleep—or if you’re a provider seeking a model for cross-disciplinary care—this episode is your must-listen!

Follow Dr. Maria Sokolina at njdentalsleepapnea.com, or join her interactive community on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram (@Dr. Maria Sokolina) for ongoing tips, support, and research updates.

Listen to Sleep Is My Waking Passion and wake up to a better tomorrow.

Welcome to the Sleep Is My Waking Passion podcast with Dr. Alison Kole!
This episode features guest expert , Dr. Jill McGarry, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with nearly 30 years of experience in the UK's National Health Service (NHS)—the main provider of healthcare in England.

Dr. McGarry began her NHS career in Brain Injury services, but for the past two decades, her main focus has been supporting people with Learning Disabilities and Autism. Her passion for improving sleep stems from this extensive clinical background, and she’s deepened her expertise by training with world-renowned sleep teams at Oxford University’s SCNI, The Sleep Unlimited, and through Behavioral Sleep Medicine seminars from Arizona.

Why You Should Listen

Discover:

• What neurodiversity really means and how it shapes sleep challenges for people with autism, ADHD, and related conditions.
• Why sleep can be so tough for neurodivergent individuals—and how tools like melatonin, natural light, and personalized routines can make a real difference.
• How cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and sleep hygiene can be adapted for unique brains, with tips that work for everyone.

Tune in for expert insights, relatable stories, and actionable tips to help you or someone you care about sleep better and thrive.

Her website: www.sleep betterDoctor.co.uk

She is on LinkedIn and I am awaiting any other social media handles. 

In this episode of Sleep is My Waking Passion, I sit down with Vincent Arthur—mechanical engineering student, NASCAR race engineer, and fierce advocate for narcolepsy awareness. Vincent shares his journey from years of misdiagnosed symptoms to finding his place on the track and in the sleep community.

What you’ll learn:

• The winding road to a narcolepsy diagnosis, and why it’s so important to trust your instincts and keep searching for answers.
• How Vincent balances a demanding racing schedule, engineering studies, and health advocacy—all while managing his narcolepsy with a treatment plan tailored to his needs.
• The power of sharing your story and breaking down stigma, both in motorsports and in life.

Tune in for inspiration, practical tips, and a reminder that your challenges don’t have to define you—they can fuel your passion!

Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Meryl Kahan joins Dr. Kole for a candid, empowering conversation about the realities of women’s health, menopause, and why the traditional medical model often leaves women behind. Together, they break down the myths, the science, and the practical solutions for sleep and wellness at every stage of life.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• The Problem with the Traditional Model of Care for Women 
• What Is Integrative Gynecology? 
• Menopause vs. Perimenopause
• The Birth Control Confusion: Being on hormonal birth control can mask menopause symptoms and make hormone testing unreliable.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Non-Hormonal Options for Menopause Management
• Sleep and Menopause
• The Power of Collaboration: Both doctors stress the value of a team approach—combining gynecology, sleep medicine, and patient-centered care to address the whole woman, not just her symptoms.
• Advocacy and Access: Dr. Kahan is expanding telehealth services and encourages women to seek out doctors who listen, understand, and are willing to dig deeper when it comes to their health concerns.

If you’re frustrated with vague answers or quick fixes, this episode will empower you to advocate for yourself and discover the transformative potential of personalized women’s health care.

Listen now to learn why your symptoms matter, how to get real answers, and what’s possible when doctors treat the whole woman—not just her chart!

In this powerful episode of Sleep Is My Waking Passion™, Dr. Alison Kole sits down with Kayla Ireland—host of @KindlyNeurodivergentwithKay, advocate, and educator living with cerebral palsy and epilepsy—to explore the intersection of sleep and neurodivergence.

From autism and ADHD to sensory sensitivities, delayed circadian rhythms, and sleep apnea in CP, this episode is packed with research-backed insights, lived experience, and practical strategies for families, caregivers, educators, and professionals alike.

🎧 You’ll learn:

 • Why 80% of autistic individuals struggle with sleep

 • The truth about melatonin and delayed sleep phase

 • How cerebral palsy affects sleep apnea, pain, and restless legs

 • How to adapt CBT-I and bedtime routines to meet diverse needs

 • What families, schools, and clinicians can do differently—starting tonight

Whether you’re supporting a loved one or navigating your own neurodivergent journey, this is a compassionate and evidence-based roadmap to better sleep.

Welcome to Sleep Is My Waking Passion, the podcast where sleep medicine gets personal, practical, and empowering. Hosted by Dr. Alison Kole, a board-certified sleep specialist, each season explores the science, challenges, and breakthroughs in sleep health—one honest conversation at a time.

This season, Dr. Kole is joined by Dr. Christopher Allen, renowned pediatric neurologist, sleep specialist, and CEO of Quality Sleep and Neurology PC in Michigan. Known online as “Sleep Doctor Chris,” Dr. Allen brings his expertise and personal journey with obstructive sleep apnea to the mic. Together, they dive deep into topics like:

• Recognizing the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of sleep apnea in adults and children
• The realities of diagnosis, from in-lab polysomnography to home sleep apnea tests
• Navigating insurance, access, and the evolving landscape of sleep technology
• The impact of untreated sleep disorders on heart health, metabolism, and daily life
• The importance of individualized care—because CPAP isn’t the only answer
• New frontiers in sleep medicine, from innovative home diagnostics to breakthrough medications

With candid stories, expert insights, and a touch of humor, Dr. Kole and Dr. Allen break down the complexities of sleep health, advocate for patient empowerment, and share practical tips for better rest. Whether you’re a patient, provider, or just sleep-curious, you’ll find community, answers, and inspiration here.

Subscribe and join the conversation—because sleep isn’t just a passion, it’s a pillar of health. Find Dr. Kole and Dr. Allen (“Sleep Doctor Chris”) on all major social media platforms, and tune in for new episodes where sleep science meets real life

Instagram, YouTube, TikTok: @sleepdrchris

https://www.qualitysleepandneurology.com/

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Please welcome returning guest, Dr. Ruchir Patel, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, entrepreneur, and consultant with over 15 years of experience in sleep medicine and neuromodulation. Dr. Patel is recognized for his deep expertise in both medical devices and advanced therapies for sleep disorders. He’s the founder of a multi-location sleep medicine practice, has worked extensively with transcranial magnetic stimulation, and has consulted for companies at the forefront of sleep technology—including Zoll, the maker of the Remede device. Most recently, Dr. Patel has taken on the role of Vice President and Senior Medical Director at Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., the company behind the hypoglossal nerve stimulator for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

In this episode, we’re diving into the evolving field of neuromodulation for sleep apnea, discussing both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). Dr. Patel’s unique clinical experience spans the use of Inspire therapy for OSA and Remede for CSA, making him a true leader in the integration of device-based therapies for complex sleep disorders.

Today’s conversation is sponsored by Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., whose support helps us continue exploring these important innovations in sleep medicine. We’ll be breaking down how hypoglossal nerve stimulation works for OSA, what makes it an alternative for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP, and how transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation is opening new doors for those with CSA. Whether you’re a clinician, a patient, or simply passionate about sleep health, you’ll gain valuable insights into the current and future landscape of neuromodulation in sleep medicine.

For more information on Inspire therapy for Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation, watch this episode with Dr. Ahmad Mahmoud here: youtu.be/IT9pmqelmtM?si=yinCaF9bQy0qz-0L

Mollie Eastman is the creator of Sleep Is A Skill and host of the #2-ranked Sleep Is A Skill Podcast. After overcoming her own insomnia while traveling the world, Mollie combined her background in behavioral change with a passion for chronobiology to help others optimize their sleep. Through her company, she offers a technology-forward approach blending accountability, science, and practical tools. Mollie has worked with high-stakes poker players, luxury hotels, and everyday people, teaching that sleep is a learnable skill—no matter your starting point.

In this episode, Mollie shares her journey from insomnia sufferer to grassroots sleep expert and entrepreneur. They dive into the power of mindset and labels in sleep struggles, the science of chronobiology, and practical strategies for reclaiming restful nights—even for shift workers, city dwellers, and high performers. Mollie discusses how technology, consistency, and behavioral change can transform your relationship with sleep, offering hope and actionable advice for anyone ready to learn this essential skill.

https://www.sleepisaskill.com/optimize

Welcome to Season 6 of Sleep Is My Waking Passion! In this episode, I sit down with Chris Thomas, pharmacist by day and ultra-marathon paddler by passion. Chris shares his incredible experiences tackling extreme endurance paddle races like the Yukon 1000 and Alabama 650, where sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion, and mental resilience are all part of the challenge.

Together, we explore:

Part 1:

• The unique demands of ultra-marathon paddle racing, from navigating 1,000-mile waterways to managing sleep in remote environments.
• The science behind sleep deprivation, its effects on cognition and performance, and strategies for recovery

and part 2:

• Tools and techniques like caffeine naps, sleep banking, breathing exercises, and even cutting-edge devices like Modia Sleep to optimize rest during intense races.

Chris opens up about his own sleep challenges during races, including moments of déjà vu and pushing through exhaustion with creative solutions. We also discuss how nutrition, teamwork, and preparation play a pivotal role in maximizing performance while staying safe.

Whether you're an athlete seeking tips for endurance sports or simply curious about the limits of human resilience, this episode offers a fascinating deep dive into the intersection of sleep science and extreme athleticism.

🔗 Join me for an inspiring conversation with Chris as we paddle through the uncharted waters of sleep deprivation and recovery!

Welcome to Season 6 of Sleep Is My Waking Passion! In this episode, I sit down with Chris Thomas, pharmacist by day and ultra-marathon paddler by passion. Chris shares his incredible experiences tackling extreme endurance paddle races like the Yukon 1000 and Alabama 650, where sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion, and mental resilience are all part of the challenge.

Together, we explore:

Part 1:

• The unique demands of ultra-marathon paddle racing, from navigating 1,000-mile waterways to managing sleep in remote environments.
• The science behind sleep deprivation, its effects on cognition and performance, and strategies for recovery

And part 2:

• Tools and techniques like caffeine naps, sleep banking, breathing exercises, and even cutting-edge devices like Modia Sleep to optimize rest during intense races.

Chris opens up about his own sleep challenges during races, including moments of déjà vu and pushing through exhaustion with creative solutions. We also discuss how nutrition, teamwork, and preparation play a pivotal role in maximizing performance while staying safe.

Whether you're an athlete seeking tips for endurance sports or simply curious about the limits of human resilience, this episode offers a fascinating deep dive into the intersection of sleep science and extreme athleticism.

🔗 Join me for an inspiring conversation with Chris as we paddle through the uncharted waters of sleep deprivation and recovery!